Aki on West 4th

Few would doubt the ubiquity of Japanese joints in the city, but how many have a Caribbean twist to them? At Aki, this unique pairing comes together magically. For nearly a decade, Shigeaki Nakanishi, formerly the private chef for the Japanese ambassador to Jamaica, has wooed his patrons with his alluring concoctions. The space is small and intimate, fitting no more than five tables and a few seats at the bar. The menu offers several affordable prix-fixe options that include a combination of beautifully plated appetizers, the highlight of this restaurant, and sushi entrees.

Restaurant: Aki on West 4th
Rating: ♔♔♔♔

We start off with the Tuna Mille-Feuille, with pieces of fresh tuna sandwiched between slices of fuji apple and creamy avocado. Topped with generous portions of crunchy tobiko, or flying fish roe, the dish rests on a bed of seaweed salad tossed in an balsamic apple vinaigrette. This combination of the crispness from the apple and the creaminess from the tuna and avocado was phenomenal.

This next appetizer, the Uni-Coco, is another classic favorite of countless patrons. Fresh chunks of uni and scallop are mixed in with whipped coconut milk and topped with wasabi-infused tobiko. From head to toe, this dish was "screaming" creativity, and you can't help but wonder about the imaginative depths of Chef Nakanishi.

Named after Montauk for its wealth of seafood, this "East-meets-West" Montauk Salad consists of sashimi slices with pine nuts, avocado, wasabi tobiko on a bed of greens tossed in an olive oil vinaigrette. Yummy!

Although the sushi and sashimi entrees merit less praise than the trophy appetizers, there are some interesting fusion rolls that catch the eye. The Banana Boat Roll (pictured below), which consists of fried banana and spicy tuna is delightful, as is the Caribbean roll, with mango, avocado, and yellowtail.

As wise foodies say, there is always room for dessert. To finish it off, we had the Strawberry Pudding and Green Tea Tiramisu, both of which were very refreshing and not too sweet. The Strawberry Pudding has a soft, creamy texture and is topped with fresh strawberries and a sweet berry reduction.

Aki's beautiful creations and warm atmosphere have naturally attracted quite a large fan club over the years, so be sure to make a reservation for your special date!

Aki on West 4th
181 W 4th St (bet. 6th and 7th Aves)
New York, NY 10014
(212) 989-5440